BUTTE — Defensive Coordinator BJ Campbell has left Montana Tech’s football program to take the same position at Division II Central Missouri. The vacancy was quickly filled by head coach Chuck Morrell, as he will now use his experience to take over the defensive play-calling for the 2019 season.
Morrell will double-up on responsibilities as head coach and defensive coordinator, but this is something he will be able to transition into well. Since arriving to Butte and taking over Montana Tech’s football program in 2009 after his stint as the defensive coordinator for the University of South Dakota, he has coached the secondary every year. Prior to his time in South Dakota, he was the defensive coordinator at the University of Sioux Falls, where he helped the Cougars win three national titles with five appearances in the national title game. Getting back and calling the defense is something Morrell is looking forward to this upcoming season.
“Oh, yeah, man. It’s like your favorite sweatshirt. You throw it on again, it’s your Saturday sweatshirt, you get back in the driver’s seat,” said Morrell. “You know, calling plays, and I’m passionate about coaching and that’s why you see, even as a head coach I still coach the secondary. I’ve coached the secondary every year I’ve been here, been actively involved the entire time.”
“Just with coach Morrell stepping in it’s kind of just the same thing. We’re going to be rolling right as we were,” said junior defensive back Tucker Rauthe. “Having coach Morrell as that mindset of how long he’s been a defensive coordinator is just going to really help.”
